The American progressive metal group Queensrÿche will always be mentioned in the same breath with their classic 1988 album Operation Mindcrime. A rock opera on the same heights as Dark Side Of the Moon (Pink Floyd) or The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (Genesis). After the not unsuccessful second part of this (2006) and the cover-filled snack Take Cover (2007), the group again opted for a concept album.
Singer Geoff Tate interviewed a number of American soldiers who talk about their heroic deeds, but also about their disillusions, trauma and the inability to return to society. Their voices dominate this sober and dark colored metal album in which guitars sometimes sound like low overhead helicopters. These were played by substitute Michael Wilton after Mike Stone left the group shortly before shooting. Thus, especially Tate is the driving force behind this album, together with producers Jason Slater and Kelly Gray. Tate also keeps his singing remarkably sober between the voice samples of the gloomy soldiers. A special album in which a harsh reality is depicted, something you rarely hear in this genre dominated by fantasy and horror. (MR)more
